Leg exercise apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and a method for facilitating leg exercises which involves a seat ( 100 ) for accommodating an exerciser, a support structure ( 200 ) being operatively associated with the seat ( 100 ); a structure for resisting ( 300 ) a movement of the exerciser; and a structure for exercising ( 400 ) a leg, the leg exercising structure ( 400 ) being operatively associated with the resisting structure ( 300 ). The leg exercising structure ( 400 ) includes an upper thigh support member ( 410 ), a lower thigh support member ( 420 ) being cooperatively associated with the upper thigh support member ( 410 ), a calf support member ( 430 ), a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism ( 440 ) being mechanically coupled to the calf support member ( 430 ), and a structure for converting ( 500 ) from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting structure ( 500 ) being operatively associated with the calf support member ( 430 ).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This document is a continuation-in-part application of, and claims priority from, copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/849,411, entitled “Adjustable Cable System” and filed on May 18, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally technically relates to exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention technically relates to exercise machines for strengthening the legs of an exerciser. Even more particularly, the present invention technically relates to exercise machines for facilitating performance of leg extensions and leg curls by an exerciser.

BACKGROUND ART

Over the past several years, people have become more interested in maintaining good physical health by deliberately engaging in exercise and other physical activities. Weight-lifting, running, and swimming are but three of the several types of exercise that people choose to engage in order to maintain physical fitness. Rowing, aerobic activity, as well as other forms of exercise are also used in order to maintain fitness and provide some aerobic challenge to a person's system so that they may maintain better health. The link between physical activity and physical health is generally well recognized although directly quantifiable results arising from specific forms and durations of physical activities may not be as well identified.

Weight lifting is a specifically-chosen activity by many people due to the ability to select and specifically focus on physical activity for certain muscle groups. Consequently, through weight lifting, an individual can focus actively on his or her calves, thighs, gluteal muscles, and abdominal muscles, etc. In so doing, an individual may not only engage in aerobic activity, but one that specifically strengthens a chosen muscle or group of muscles.

Many weight systems such as those using cables linked to weights and the like provide access to the resisting weights using moveable structural elements, such as handles, levers, and the like, disposed in a generally vertical manner. Such vertical disposition of the moveable structural elements that allow engagement of the weights by the exerciser may be inconveniently positioned for certain activities. In some cases, this is remedied by having a “spotter,” i.e., another person who aids the exerciser in engaging the weights. The spotter would also assist the exerciser in disengaging the weights at the exerciser's choosing.

Many weight machines are specifically designed to help provide exercise for the legs; and strong leg muscles as well as good posture are desirable among many of those who exercise. In such circumstances, a related art vertically disposed exercise system may present a challenge to individuals who choose to use such a machine. As a result, moveable structural elements for the weights may be inconveniently located and require inconvenient grasping and engaging techniques by the exerciser.

Thus, a need is seen to exist in the related art for an apparatus which accommodates the exerciser so that moveable structural elements, providing engagement with the weights, are more conveniently disposed or located so that the exerciser can focus on the physical exertion of the exercise activity rather than accommodating a poorly designed or disadvantageously designed weight machine structure.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In providing a solution to the foregoing and other known problems and disadvantages inherent in the related art weight machines, the present invention involves a leg exercise apparatus having a device for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl device and vice versa. The present invention leg exercise apparatus comprises a seat for accommodating an exerciser, a support structure being operatively associated with the seat; a structure for resisting a movement of the exerciser; and a structure for exercising a leg, the leg exercising structure being operatively associated with the resisting structure. The leg exercising structure comprises an upper thigh support member, a lower thigh support member being cooperatively associated with the upper thigh support member, a calf support member, a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being mechanically coupled to the calf support member, and a structure for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting structure being operatively associated with the calf support member. The converting structure comprises a gravity latch device which can be a pawl and ratchet wheel combination by example only.

A present invention method of fabricating a leg exercise apparatus comprises the steps of providing seat for accommodating an exerciser, providing a support structure being operatively associated with the seat, providing a structure for resisting a movement of the exerciser, and providing a structure for exercising a leg, the leg exercising structure being operatively associated with the resisting structure. The leg exercising structure providing step comprises providing an upper thigh support member, providing a lower thigh support member being cooperatively associated with the upper thigh support member, providing a calf support member, providing a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being mechanically coupled to the calf support member, and providing a structure for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting structure being operatively associated with the calf support member. The converting structure providing step comprises providing a gravity latch device. The gravity latch device providing step comprises providing a pawl and ratchet wheel combination.

Advantages of the present invention include providing better access and convenience to weightlifting cable system for leg exercise without the need for complex instructions and providing an easy mechanism for converting from one form of leg exercise to another. Other features of the present invention are disclosed, or are apparent, in the section entitled “Modes for Carrying out the Invention,” disclosed, infra.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below-referenced accompanying Drawing(s). Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the Drawing(s).

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a leg exercise apparatus, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an opposing side view of a leg exercise apparatus of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING-OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates, in a perspective view, an exercise apparatus 1000, in accordance with the present invention. The leg exercise apparatus 1000 comprises a seat 100 for accommodating an exerciser (not shown), a support structure 200 being operatively associated with the seat 100, a structure for resisting 300 a movement of the exerciser, and a structure for exercising 400 a leg (not shown), the leg exercising structure 400 being operatively associated with the resisting structure 300. The leg exercising structure 400 comprises an upper thigh support member 410, a lower thigh support member 420 being cooperatively associated with the upper thigh support member 410, a calf support member 430, a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 being mechanically coupled to the calf support member 430, and a structure for converting 500 from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting structure 500 being operatively associated with the calf support member 430. The converting structure 500 comprises a gravity latch device 510. The gravity latch device comprises a pawl and ratchet wheel combination, by example only.

Continuing with FIG. 1, the support structure 200 has an upper portion 200A, an intermediate portion 200B, and a lower portion 200C, the intermediate portion 200B having two ends 200D, 200E and being generally vertically disposed, the upper portion 200A being mechanically coupled to an end of the intermediate portion 200B and being angled forward of the intermediate portion 200B, the lower portion 200C being mechanically coupled to a remaining end of the intermediate portion 200B and including at least three contact members 210. The upper portion 200A is angled in relation to the intermediate portion 200B; and the upper portion 200A and the intermediate portion 200B subtend an angle in a range of approximately 90° to approximately 180°. The resisting structure 300 comprises an adjustable weight 310, by example only.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the support structure lower portion 200C generally comprises a T-shape configuration for imparting stability in the plane of the floor (not shown). The resisting structure 300 comprises a cable system 320 and an optional housing 330 having at least one portion generally covering the cable system 320 and the adjustable weights 310. The housing 330 may allow access to the weights 310 so that they may provide a source of adjustable resistance for the exerciser.

FIG. 2 illustrates, in a front view, the exercise apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention. The resisting structure 300 is disposed to the right of the support structure intermediate portion 200B. Other features, such as an outrigger device 600 and an overhead cowl 700 may be included in the apparatus 1000, by example only as shown, in combination with the leg exercise structure 400 to provide optional arm, chest, and abdominal exercises or combinational exercises, e.g., with leg exercises.

FIG. 3 illustrates, in a rear view, the exercise apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention. The support structure intermediate portion 200B is disposed in a position which is perpendicular to the support structure lower portion 200C. The resisting structure 300 is mounted to the support structure 200 for imparting stability.

FIG. 4 illustrates, in a side view, the exercise apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention. The gravity latch device 510 is easily operated by the exerciser in converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise. The exerciser needs only to move the pawl 505, comprising a weighted rigid tab (not shown), from one position to another for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise and vice versa. These opposing positions are located at an angle Θ apart from one another. The ratchet wheel includes at least one pair of opposing angled detents (not shown), defining the opposing positions, which accommodate the pawl 505. For selecting a leg extension exercise, the exerciser merely moves the pawl 505 into a detent in a forward position. In order to convert to a leg curl exercise, the exerciser merely moves the pawl 505 into a detent in an aft position. The pawl 505 is pivotally mounted to the pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 by a structure such as a pin connection. The ratchet wheel (not shown in this figure) is mechanically coupled to the cable system 320, the cable system 320 being, in turn, mechanically coupled to the resisting structure 300. The upper thigh support member 410 locks a leg against the lower thigh support member 420 into a selected leg curl exercise position by using the converting structure 500, e.g., the gravity latch device.

FIG. 5 illustrates, in an opposing side view, the exercise apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention. The pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440, having a proximal end and a distal end, can be a hollow tube having a cross-section such as a square, a rectangle, a circle, an ellipse, and a monocoque structure. The calf support member 430 is mechanically coupled to the pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 distal end. The pawl 505 is pivotally mounted to the pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 proximal end. The pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 is also operatively coupled to the ratchet wheel at the pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 proximal end. The pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 has an upper surface and further comprises a handle mounted to the upper surface for facilitating positioning of the pawl 505 into a selected detent on the ratchet wheel.

A method M of fabricating a leg exercise apparatus 1000 comprises the steps of providing a seat 100 for accommodating an exerciser, providing a support structure 200 being operatively associated with the seat 100, providing a structure for resisting 300 a movement of the exerciser, and providing a structure for exercising 400 a leg, the leg exercising structure 400 being operatively associated with the resisting structure 300. The leg exercising structure 400 providing step comprises providing an upper thigh support member 410, providing a lower thigh support member 420 being cooperatively associated with the upper thigh support member 410, providing a calf support member 430, providing a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 being mechanically coupled to the calf support member 430, and providing a structure for converting 500 from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting structure 500 being operatively associated with the calf support member 430. The converting structure providing step comprises providing a gravity latch device 510. The gravity latch device 510 providing step comprises providing a pawl and ratchet wheel combination.

In the method M, the support structure 200 providing step comprises providing the support structure 200 with an upper portion 200A, an intermediate portion 200B, and a lower portion 200C, the intermediate portion 200B having two ends 200D, 200E and being generally vertically disposed, the upper portion 200A being mechanically coupled to an end 200D of the intermediate portion 200B and being angled forward of the intermediate portion 200B, the lower portion 200C being mechanically coupled to a remaining end 200E of the intermediate portion 200B and including at least three contact members 210. The support structure 200 providing step comprises providing the upper portion 200A being angled in relation to the intermediate portion 200B. The support structure providing step comprises providing the support structure 200 with the upper portion 200A and the intermediate portion 200B subtending an angle in a range of approximately 90° to approximately 180°. The resisting structure 300 providing step comprises providing an adjustable weight 310. The leg exercising structure 400 providing step comprises providing a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 being operatively associated with coupled to the adjustable weight 310. The leg exercising structure 400 providing step comprises providing an upper thigh support member 410, providing a lower thigh support member 420 being cooperative associated with the upper thigh support member 410, providing a calf support member 430, providing a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism 440 being mechanically coupled to the calf support member 430, and providing a structure for converting 500 from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting structure 500 being operatively associated with the calf support member 430. The converting structure 500 providing step comprises providing a gravity latch device 510. The gravity latch device 510 providing step comprises providing a pawl and ratchet wheel combination.

Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described object of the invention, the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is, thus, representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. The scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than the appended claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment and additional embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.

Moreover, no requirement exists for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present invention, for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. However, various changes and modifications in form, material, and fabrication material detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended claims and should be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. No claim herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention generally industrially applies to exercise machines. More particularly, the present invention industrially applies to exercise machines for strengthening the legs of an exerciser. Even more particularly, the present invention industrially applies to exercise machines for facilitating performance of leg extensions and leg curls by an exerciser. 

1. A leg exercise apparatus comprising: a seat for accommodating an exerciser; a support structure being operatively associated with the seat; means for resisting a movement of the exerciser; and means for exercising a leg, the leg exercising means being operatively associated with the resisting means.
 2. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein the leg exercising means comprises: a lower thigh support member; a calf support member; a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being mechanically coupled to the calf support member; and means for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting means being operatively associated with the calf support member.
 3. An apparatus, as recited in claim 2, further comprising an upper thigh support member being cooperatively associated with the lower thigh support member for facilitating the leg curl exercise.
 4. An apparatus, as recited in claim 2, wherein the converting means comprises a gravity latch device.
 5. An apparatus, as recited in claim 4, wherein the gravity latch device comprises a pawl and ratchet wheel combination.
 6. An apparatus, as recited in claim 3, wherein the upper thigh support member locks the leg against the lower thigh support member into a selected leg curl exercise position by using the converting means.
 7. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein the support structure has an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion, the intermediate portion having two ends and being generally vertically disposed, the upper portion being mechanically coupled to an end of the intermediate portion and being angled forward of the intermediate portion, the lower portion being mechanically coupled to a remaining end of the intermediate portion and including at least three contact members.
 8. An apparatus, as recited in claim 7, wherein the upper portion is angled in relation to the intermediate portion, and wherein the upper portion and the intermediate portion subtend an angle in a range of approximately 90° to approximately 180°.
 9. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, wherein the resisting means comprises an adjustable weight, and wherein the leg exercising means comprises a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism operatively associated with coupled to the adjustable weight.
 10. An apparatus, as recited in claim 1, comprising: wherein the leg exercising means comprises: a lower thigh support member; a calf support member; a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being mechanically coupled to the calf support member; and means for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting means being operatively associated with the calf support member, wherein the converting means comprises a gravity latch device, and wherein the gravity latch device comprises a pawl and ratchet wheel combination.
 11. An apparatus, as recited in claim 10, further comprising an upper thigh support member being cooperatively associated with the lower thigh support member for facilitating the leg curl exercise.
 12. An apparatus, as recited in claim 11, wherein the upper thigh support member locks the leg against the lower thigh support member into a selected leg curl exercise position by using the converting means.
 13. A leg exercise device, comprising: a lower thigh support member; a calf support member; a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being mechanically coupled to the calf support member; and means for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting means being operatively associated with the calf support member.
 14. An apparatus, as recited in claim 13, further comprising an upper thigh support member being cooperatively associated with the lower thigh support member for facilitating the leg curl exercise.
 15. A device, as recited in claim 13, wherein the converting means comprises a gravity latch device, and wherein the gravity latch device comprises a pawl and ratchet wheel combination.
 16. An apparatus, as recited in claim 14, wherein the upper thigh support member locks the leg against the lower thigh support member into a selected leg curl exercise position by using the converting means.
 17. A method of fabricating a leg exercise apparatus comprising the steps of: providing seat for accommodating an exerciser; providing a support structure being operatively associated with the seat; providing means for resisting a movement of the exerciser; and providing means for exercising a leg, the leg exercising means being operatively associated with the resisting means.
 18. A method, as recited in claim 17, wherein the leg exercising means providing step comprises: providing a lower thigh support member; providing a calf support member; providing a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being mechanically coupled to the calf support member; and providing means for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting means being operatively associated with the calf support member.
 19. A method, as recited in claim 18, further comprising the step of providing an upper thigh support member being cooperatively associated with the lower thigh support member for facilitating the leg curl exercise.
 20. A method, as recited in claim 18, wherein the converting means providing step comprises providing a gravity latch device.
 21. A method, as recited in claim 20 wherein the gravity latch device providing step comprises providing a pawl and ratchet wheel combination.
 22. An apparatus, as recited in claim 19, wherein the upper thigh support member locks the leg against the lower thigh support member into a selected leg curl exercise position by using the converting means.
 23. A method, as recited in claim 17, wherein the support structure providing step comprises providing the support structure with an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion, the intermediate portion having two ends and being generally vertically disposed, the upper portion being mechanically coupled to an end of the intermediate portion and being angled forward of the intermediate portion, the lower portion being mechanically coupled to a remaining end of the intermediate portion and including at least three contact members.
 24. A method, as recited in claim 23, wherein the support structure providing step comprises providing the upper portion being angled in relation to the intermediate portion, and wherein the support structure providing step comprises providing the support structure with the upper portion and the intermediate portion subtending an angle in a range of approximately 90° to approximately 180°.
 25. A method, as recited in claim 17, wherein the resisting means providing step comprises providing an adjustable weight, and wherein the leg exercising means providing step comprises providing a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being operatively associated with coupled to the adjustable weight.
 26. A method, as recited in claim 17, comprising: wherein the leg exercising means providing step comprises: providing a lower thigh support member; providing a calf support member; providing a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being mechanically coupled to the calf support member; and providing means for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting means being operatively associated with the calf support member, wherein the converting means providing step comprises providing a gravity latch device, and wherein the gravity latch device providing step comprises providing a pawl and ratchet wheel combination.
 27. A method, as recited in claim 26, further comprising the step of providing an upper thigh support member being cooperatively associated with the lower thigh support member for facilitating the leg curl exercise.
 28. An apparatus, as recited in claim 27, wherein the upper thigh support member locks the leg against the lower thigh support member into a selected leg curl exercise position by using the converting means.
 29. A method for fabricating a leg exercise device, comprising: providing a lower thigh support member; providing a calf support member; providing a pivoting leg-engaging mechanism being mechanically coupled to the calf support member; and providing means for converting from a leg extension exercise to a leg curl exercise, the converting means providing step comprising providing the converting means being operatively associated with the calf support member.
 30. A method, as recited in claim 29, further comprising the step of providing an upper thigh support member being cooperatively associated with the lower thigh support member for facilitating the leg curl exercise.
 31. A method, as recited in claim 29, wherein the converting means providing step comprises providing a gravity latch device, and wherein the gravity latch device providing step comprises providing a pawl and ratchet wheel combination.
 32. An apparatus, as recited in claim 30, wherein the upper thigh support member locks the leg against the lower thigh support member into a selected leg curl exercise position by using the converting means. 